Friday, July 17, 2009

Drawn by Intention?



I just started reading The Intention Experiment by Lynne McTaggart. This is an amazing book. Suggested by more than one of you, it's clear that you are way ahead of me on this topic. Or is it that we are drawn to each other based on intention? Anyway...

I've already mentioned in an earlier post that I have one foot in science and one in spirit. This has always been the way for me. And this book brings science, especially quantum physics, and spirit together seamlessly. I've just started the book, but wanted to share one amazing experiment:


"Animals themselves proved capable of acts of effective intention. In one ingenious study by Rene' Peoc'h of the Foundation ODIER in Nantes, France, a robotic "mother hen," constructed from a movable random-event generator, was "imprinted" on a group of baby chicks soon after birth. The robot was placed outside the chicks' cage, where it moved around freely, as its path was tracked and recorded. Eventually, it was clear that the robot was moving toward the chicks two and a half times more often than it would ordinarily; the "inferred intention" of the chicks - their desire to be close to their mother - appeared to affect the robot, drawing it closer to the cage. Over eighty similar studies, in which a lighted candle was placed on a movable REG, baby chicks kept in the dark, finding the light comforting, managed to influence the robot to spend more time than normal in the vicinity of their cages."

This is fascinating! This means animals may have an ability to affect their world. If the chicks tiny brains can do this, can you imagine what ours can do? Luckily we have scientists all over the world working on consciousness and intention.

We know through quantum physics that at the subatomic level all matter is made of the same "stuff", from rocks to humans. What's more, they've discovered that subatomic matter appears to be involved in a continual exchange of information, causing it to change and refine.

So if animals can manipulate their world through intention, and they now think all things are connected - um, here's a thought - should we be eating them?

Just saying.

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'll ponder on this for a while. If I come up with anything worthwhile I'll let you know.
Hmmm...

Joanne said...

Very interesting concept going on here. I've heard this before, the power of intention making things happen. The mind is a powerful tool, influencing us in ways unimaginable.

Spiritual Journey said...

When I went to a massage class, we were taught to focus our intention on what the outcome we'd like for the person we're going to give massage to - be it to heal the person or make him/her feel relaxed. From then on, whenever I use that intention in giving massage to members of my family, it works 100%. Now, this intention also translates to varied aspects of my life. At the beginning of the day, I put out my intention out there (if I remembered to) that it will be a fruitful and happy one for me and the people I work with - and it does. My husband also told me that before he goes to a parking lot, he puts out his intention that he will get a parking spot, and 95% of the time, he gets it. Since that day in massage class, I never underestimated the power of intention.

Stella Jones said...

Not a surprise to me at all. That's what we call magic. The power of the mind to make things happen, yes it works. I've proved it to myself. Recently in our newspapers over here, we saw a story about a chimp who, by the power of thought (his brain was wired), he could make a bionic arm move to feed himself. Your post is fascinating. We are only just beginning to harness this extraordinary power aren't we!
Blessings, Star

DJan said...

This is a book I will definitely read. It's on my list and I'll get it at the bookstore next time I'm there. Thanks for the recommendation.

GYPSYWOMAN said...

don't get me started on this book!!! it's like my holy grail! but you know, the concepts/theories are not new at all - they've been around since forever - but the way that this author puts them ALL together cohesively, comprehensively, intelligently is fantastic - we have all probably personally practiced "intention"/experienced the results many many times - the book brings it all together in a single "tool" - so glad you got a copy!

~JarieLyn~ said...

It's the law of attraction working. I've always heard that animals (dogs) can't think, but I believe they can. Anyhow, good point you make at the end. Makes me wonder too.

Patsy said...

I think about the same things but tend to rely more on empirical evidence. Having said that, I give lots of weight to insight and perceptiveness.

~Lorna
____________________________________

luksky said...

Who is it that says.."Change your thoughts, change the world."?

As far as eating animals, I would go as far as saying should we even be eating plants??? After all plants also show signs of "intention". We could pick it to death if we tried.

Sylvia said...

Oh, that's soooo nice! Reminds me of my childhood!

Elizabeth Bradley said...

Oh, I just love this post. I have always believed that our thoughts create our reality. I hope people embrace this concept. We could all effect change in a BIG WAY. Like THINK away the recession, feed the hungry, do away with bigotry. Thanks, I had not heard of this book. Will give it a read.

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

I'm not familiar with the book but the message you portrayed from it is very, very interesting. The concept of intention changing the outcome is so true..a very powerful concept for sure.

susan said...

I've made a practice of repeating The Four Immeasurables regularly throughout the day for a number of years. Perhaps it helps the outside reality but I know it helps the inside:

May all sentient beings enjoy happiness
and the root of happiness.

May they be free from suffering
and the root of suffering.

May they not be separated
from great happiness free of suffering.

May they dwell in great equanimity,
free from passion, aggression and prejudice.

Anonymous said...

You should read a book by Marta Williams called Beyond Words, communicating with animals. She explains about eating animals and why animals are not upset about this. Its the quality of their life while living which is important. Yes, we all live by the same law, the law of attraction. What you think, you become. You draw to yourself that which is most like you and the things you think about, and everyone does it, all animals including us.

Unknown said...

Thank you, what a great way to start the weekend...Intentionally...
Smiles.

The Good Cook said...

Nancy,

I love the comment you made about animals and the quality of their life. That is one of the guiding principals behind Locavorism.. buying local direct from the farm where animals have a quality of life, free to roam, eat, peck, mate the way nature intended. Then, when the farmer harvests (yes, harvests) say, the chicken or the cow, it is done with respect for life. Humanely putting the animal down while giving thanks for its life, its purpose and its nourishment.

So far as intent, I have always believed we can think (another word for prayer?) our desires and needs into reality.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Food for thought....pun intended.

Hilary said...

true, tis true.
My daughter and I both did 3 months without eating any meat at all. I just started eating it again a few weeks ago,and I can't believe how bad I feel.....physically. My body is talking to me, I think.
I already know what my heart says.

Nancy said...

Jo - There is much to ponder in this book, that's for sure. Be sure and tell us what you come up with.

Joanne - Now when we look at the tiniest particles, we begin to see why.

Spiritual - I agree with your massage instructor.

Star - You may like this book.

DJan - It is a fascinating book. It puts it all together.

gypsywoman - I can't thank you enough for suggesting this book. I had asked for teachers - and now I'm getting them! I had my husband, whose undergraduate degree is in biology, download it on his kindle so we could read it at the same time since science is right up his alley.

Jarie - I have been thinking about the animal/eating thing for a while. My youngest is vegan, and my older daughter eats mostly fish. I've been working on less meat, but maybe I'm ready to do the veggie thing..

Lorna - You may like this book - it is science - very cutting edge.

luksky - Good point!

Sylvia - You must have had good eggs growing up.

Elizabeth - That is exactly what this book is looking at through a scientific perspective.

Alica - You might like this book, too.

susan - I just finished a Pema Chodron book - The Things That Scare You - so I have also been doing the same thing.

Nancy - Thanks - I'll put that on my list.

Emom- Your welcome!

Good Cook - No doubt. Mindfullness and being grateful goes a long way in thanking the animals for their sacrifice.

Kathy - LOL

Hilary - It sounds like you and I are on the same page. I tried to go veggie but actually craved meat. But now I crave much, much less. I think my body is changing. Speaking to me?

Marlene said...

I just ordered on Amazon, The Intention experiment" And also Beyond words...Intention is what some people call magic...I have been able to succesfully bring some things to me...little things..but really big things I put alot of energy on...I have failed..I wonder..what if what your intending..is not right for that moment in your life path.. something that you should not have...will it still work?? Is one's intention more powerful than your destiny? Just something to think about..

Professor Humperdink III said...

Chicks can light candles as well. http://professorhumperdinkiii.blogspot.com/2009/05/candle-chicks.html

Nancy said...

Marlene - Very good questions. I have thought the same thing.

Professor - Off to see how chicks can light a candle...

Brian Miller said...

interesting. will have to check out that book as well sounds fascinating. i think we would go very hungry...i mean plants have feelings too right...so what are we left with processed goo? intention is powerful, when used.

Nancy said...

Brian - Very good point - what would we eat? And do plants "feel" like animals?

Anonymous said...

Hi Nancy - yes when you leave a comment there is a little box you can check to subscribe to comments. Like now, if you had subscribed to the comments on this blog, this comment would come straight to you in your email. Its very convenient if you typically ask questions or really want to know what other people think about the subject, but not when 800 people comment after you. Obviously that would overstuff anyones inbox. :-)

Cubil said...

There is a school of thought called Process Theology. I heard one of the key fellows speak on this on the event of his 100th birthday. His version took several days of explaination, at the end not many understood what was said. One of his early interns, Rebecca Parker then condensed it into an hour and we all got it.

Nancy said...

Nancy - Thanks for the tip!

Cubil - Process Theology??

Marguerite said...

We are what we think. Every invention known to man began with one person's thoughts and intention. Whatever is thought about the most is what appears in your life.

That's a good question, Nancy and a very thought provoking post. Have a great weekend!

Nancy said...

Marguerite - No doubt you are correct. I always go back to Norman Cousins - "You can't afford a negative thought." Hope you have a great weekend too!

L'Adelaide said...

I love things like this and have read McTaggert's books in years past...I do believe we are all connected on the subatomic level, including things we assume are inanimate and knowing this [for myself], I feel somewhat more aware of pain I may be causing living and non-living things....rocks are the hardest to get but I can see how they are all the same matter in that realm...thanks for the deep thoughts so late in my day!
X

Nancy said...

Linda - I think this book is life-changing for me. It puts everything together in one cohesive theory. The other book that affected me like that was many years ago and that was The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukov. Isn't it funny how different books resonate with different people?

The Redhead Riter said...

Hmmm...I love animals, but there are a few that I can eat as long as I don't have to see their life ended. I would make a very poor REAL farm wife like my great grandmothers...both of them!

Stopping by to let you know you're on my list of blogs I ♥ visiting!

Have a great Saturday!

Anonymous said...

I gave this a second thought and I don't see why we shouldn't eat animals as it seems a rather natural thing to do. Why would their ability to intent change our eating behaviour? Could they change the world if they weren't food to us? I always denied vegetarianism because it seems unnatural to me. A lion wouldn't stop eating zebras because their level of consciousness appears higher than expected. To survive is our number one instinct, and to survive we must eat. I think this instinct goes beyond scientifical knowledge because knowledge is not instinctive. To gain knowledge is instinctive, but knowledge itself isn't. Therefore: we need meat.

Sarah Lulu said...

I'm a huge believe in intention. Perhaps my first dip into it was with
Deepak Chopra's 7 laws for success.

Great post.

Ruth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ruth said...

Hmm.

This is quite remarkable, I agree. It shows how interconnected all things are.

We have consciousness in different ways than animals. So we choose to eat them, or not. But animals that have instinct to be carnivores do not think about it apparently. They just follow their instincts. I am conflicted about what gets into my head and interferes with my physical instincts. Our society is so complex - and different - from animal society. But maybe as research continues, we'll find out they are more similar than we suspected.

Fascinating stuff.

Leah J. Utas said...

I've been using intention off and on for a while. I noticed it worked very well in the spring and am just trying something else now.

Reya Mellicker said...

My teacher used to say "Energy follows attention. Intention takes things one step further."

But intention isn't everything. You can have the best and clearests of intentions, but things can go way wrong anyway. There's always mystery involved.

Love the image!

Eva Marie said...

Wow - that was deep, and I need to read it again after I drink a pot of coffee....was that your intent?

Historical sites with charmine said...

Hi, Thanks for stopping by my blog i appreciate the visit.You have a lot going on in your blog....makes one pause and think.Have a good weekend.

Nancy said...

Redhead - I'm with you. I eat meat, but probably wouldn't if I had to kill it. Thanks for coming to visit!

Jo - This is very well thought out. You definitely make sense. I went to visit the Zeitgeist Movement that you suggested - very interesting.

Sarah - I read his earlier books but I don't think I've read this one. Deepak has been noted in this book I'm reading now, however.

Ruth - I think the instinct part of it is interesting. If we were never meant to eat meat - then why do we have have the instinct to do so? Very good question.

Leah - You might like this book. It actually goes into how it works.

Reya - I think this book is talking about focused intention and how it works at the cellular level. I haven't read far enough to see what they propose, but there are ongoing experiments that you can participate in. That certainly doesn't mean things can't go wrong, or that it works every time. All new research. I like the fact they are seriously researching it.

Eva - LOL! Yeah, it's heavy.

Charmine - Hi - thanks for stopping by! We're not always so heavy around here.

Jo said...

I'm always looking for an interesting book to read, and this is definitely going on my list. My mother used to talk about the "power of intention". I think it is a power we have not yet learned to utilize. Could it also be what we call the "power of prayer"? It can be used to move mountains.

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

After reading this entry, I dug out the intention experiment and started paging thru it again. I remember that when it first came out, she was doing an experiment with seeds, on the radio/internet and so many people called in, the site crashed.

Nancy said...

Jo - This book is about cutting-edge science. Not easy reading, but if you are interested in focused intention and what can be done with it, on a global scale, you might like this book.

Trish & Rob - Wow! Obviously people are reading this book!

Jill of All Trades said...

Oh wow, that gives me a lot to think about...ouch I have a headache...ouch...uh oh. I may have to read that book. Carla

Pat said...

Wow - pretty fascinating stuff!

Nancy said...

Jill- The book requires some mental muscle but the findings are astounding.

Pat - Very interesting stuff!